We're not delaying gay plebiscite: Lib MP

Liberal gay marriage advocate Warren Entsch insists the coalition is not delaying a national vote on same-sex marriage.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has indicated a plebiscite to legalise gay marriage could be held in early 2017 if it wasn't possible this year.

Mr Entsch said it was simply a matter of necessary procedures, denying a vote was being deliberately pushed back.

"Just because we are constrained by legislative timeframes doesn't mean to say there is cold feet or a reluctance to bring it on," he told ABC radio on Thursday.

"There is no sort of dragging the chain on this."

But he warned any delay could cause societal rifts.

"If you allow this to drag on forever all it's going to do is cause division.

"We've got to get this matter out there, and have the matter dealt with."

Mr Entsch, who brought forward a failed cross-party bill to legalise gay marriage in the previous parliament, is convinced a public vote is the way to go.

That's despite new polling showing support for a plebiscite softening.

The Queensland MP believes the Senate will back the public if a plebiscite is carried.

"It would be a very brave senator ... (to) vote against the will of the people."